Intraocular pressure changes in the vitreon study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To detect the effect of Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene (vitreon) on intraocular pressure (IOP) changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred-five eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy undergoing vitrectomy using vitreon as an intraoperative surgical adjunct were randomized to 2 groups. Vitreon was completely removed in 43 eyes (Group A) at the end of operation while it was left intravitreally in 62 eyes (Group B) for 4 weeks. Patients were followed for at least 18 months. RESULTS: During the first postoperative week, 6 eyes (14%) in Group A and 14 eyes (22%) in Group B had IOP of 23 mm Hg or more (P = .393) while no eyes in either group had hypotony. At the last follow-up 2 eyes (5%) in Group A and 6 eyes (10%) in Group B showed chronic hypotony (P = .561). CONCLUSION: Although postoperative chronic hypotony risk increased twofold by vitreon when it was left intravitreally for 4 weeks, this difference was statistically insignificant. Vitreon can be used as a vitreous substitute for 4 weeks in this regard.